If we’re lucky, travel can be a life-changing experience. But what if our adventures could also leave a positive impact on the places and people we visit? That’s the idea behind regenerative travel, a philosophy that goes beyond sustainable travel to not just leave a destination as you found it, but to try and make a positive difference.
Ecuador’s Mashpi Lodge has built its entire model on this principle. As one of the world’s leading regenerative travel destinations recognised for its conservation-led approach, it not only offers guests the chance to experience a breathtaking natural wonder – but to contribute to a project working to preserve it.
Sustainability has long been woven through the DNA of award-winning travel operator Metropolitan Touring, who have been sharing the wonders of South America with travellers for over 70 years. Guided by a respect for nature and culture, their thoughtfully crafted itineraries are designed to provide extraordinary experiences while also creating a positive impact. And at Mashpi Lodge, both are achieved in abundance, with the Lodge funding its conservation and research programmes through its operations, including guest stays.
An incredible setting
By choosing a stay in Mashpi Lodge visitors are helping to fund vital conservation work in the local environment. And as environments go, this one is pretty special. Set within a private 3000-acre reserve in Ecuador’s incredible cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge gives guests an immersive experience deep in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, home to 400 species of birds, rare orchids, and wildlife found nowhere else on earth.
The Two Michelin Key hotel offers unparalleled luxury and breathtaking views of forested mountains – but that’s only the beginning of what makes a stay at Mashpi Lodge so unique. Built with sustainable materials and advanced techniques, its remarkable design blends into the environment, almost appearing to float among the treetops. Surrounded by dense mists, you’ll feel like you’re inside a cloud.
A stay that supports restoration
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Much more than a resort, Mashpi Lodge is also home to a research centre where scientists work to study and protect the Chocó Cloud Forest. Through its reforestation programme, Mashpi is actively restoring 1200 hectares of rainforest, while also conserving the existing ecosystem.
Amazingly, Mashpi researchers have identified 22 new species previously unknown to science, including the Mashpi Frog (Hyloscirtus mashpi) and Mashpi Magnolia. The frog is a crucial “bio-indicator,” meaning its survival is a sign that the forest’s ecosystem, particularly the water and air, is healthy. This creature’s very existence helps show that forest regeneration efforts are working – think of it as one of the most honest ‘quality certifications’ there is.
The local community is integral to Mashpi’s success, powering the construction, management and running of the lodge, as well as sharing their precious knowledge of the landscape and wildlife.
At Mashpi Lodge visitors become part of its mission, with each stay helping to strengthen communities and fund the preservation of the forest for future generations. More than that, you’re invited to step out of the role of mere tourist and become a temporary resident of the remarkable eco-system that surrounds you.
Unique experiences
At Mashpi you’ll wake up with the vibrant calls of exotic birds as your alarm clock. Each of the hotel’s 24 bedrooms feature floor to ceiling windows that provide a screen to the spectacular show outside. You might catch a monkey swinging through the branches or a colourful toucan keeping watch.
Outside the lodge, experience the thick, warm air of the rainforest, thrumming with life all around you. Take in the heady smells of damp earth and the ever shifting scents of exotic blooms. Trained experts will give you a deeper understanding of the eco-system and its importance. Take a guided hike to mesmerising waterfalls or an atmospheric night walk where you’ll listen to an electric symphony of insects, and learn to decode the cacophony of sounds around you. Climb the 162 steps of the Observation Tower and you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the Mashpi Reserve. You can surround yourself with over 200 species of fluttering delights at the Butterfly Farm or get hands on in the interactive laboratory.
Looking for a bit more adrenaline? The Sky Bike provides a unique glide across the treetops with views of vibrant wildlife and misty landscapes, while the Dragon Fly Canopy is an exhilarating cable ride in an open air gondola across the forest.
A true retreat
Back at the lodge itself, relaxation awaits in the serene Rainforest Spa, where indulgent treatments are enhanced by the lush green surroundings. In the wellness centre, you can spot exotic birds from the open-air hot tub, or practice your yoga poses on the outdoor deck. While in your room, you can enjoy stylish surroundings and breathtaking views of the lush environs outside – here you are truly immersed in the incredible habitat around you.
In the Dining Room, chefs draw inspiration from the environment around them, creating dishes that celebrate Ecuador’s diverse flavours. It’s all served up in a magnificent space looking out onto the forest. Meanwhile expert mixologists have created a cocktail menu inspired by the lush landscapes around them, with bespoke creations like the Misty Canopy.
The only way to make a stay at Mashpi even more thrilling? By combining it with a guided exploration of the Galápagos Islands. Create your own itinerary or choose from a carefully crafted package for an unforgettable trip. And it won’t just be you that’s transformed, but the places you’ve visited, too.
To find out more and start planning your trip, visit Metropolitan Touring
